Veterans Dragon Boat USA

06/16/2026

Pioneer Valley Riverfront club is right here in Springfield. There is so much to enjoy in our backyard. We offer Dragon Boating, Rowing (both sculling and sweep- and for all kinds of ages) and summer kayaking.

The Connecticut river offers wildlife and lots of beauty. Join us!

06/14/2026

Today, members of our team will take to the Charles River for the Boston Dragon Boat Festival. Each dragon boat can carry 20 paddlers, but for us, it’s 40. Secured to each life vest is a special dog tag which members of our team carry with them as a tribute to a fallen service member. Often one they know personally.

With him today, team Coach & Co-Captain Stanley Hilton, will carry with him the memory of LCPL Robert A. Massey, USMC. In addition to being an integral part of Stan’s youth, Mr. Massey is the father of one of our fellow team members, Marc Massey.

Together, we will keep Mr. Massey’s memory and life of service alive within the spirit of our team as we fulfill our mission to harness the power of dragon boating to promote a cohesive team of veterans, active military service members and former military service members built on a foundation of strength, camaraderie and support as a united force on the water.

06/12/2026

The Friends cookout is still going on today. Put on some sunscreen and a hat and come on down and enjoy yourself. 

06/10/2026

Members of our team are headed to Boston this weekend for our first race of the season.

If you’re interested in learning how to row or paddle - please head down to PVRC - Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club this weekend! You’ll be glad you went!

06/06/2026

Training in action ~ and it’s shaping up to be another amazing day!

We are grateful for the ability to again offer our team a private training session with Almer Rivera- but we didn’t do it alone !

We extend our deepest gratitude for the very generous support of an anonymous donor who is covering the cost of today’s training.

And a long training day isn’t complete without some refreshments! Thank you to Tandem Bagel Company and South Hadley VFW Post 3104 for making sure our team has the energy they need today!

06/03/2026

Awesome night on the river tonight! Our flag lead the way!

06/02/2026

We can’t wait !!!

Our new Dragon boat festival t-shirts this year are extra gorgeous! They’ll be available for sale July 18 at the festival!

Have you registered for this Springfield dragon boat festival yet? Here are some of the great team teams who have registered:

Springfield Dragon Rays
BHN
Ct Dragons
Wellness Warriors Boston
EANE Wave Riders
Paradise City Dragon Boat
Valkyrie Dragons
Hope in the Boat
Women On Water (WOW)
Century Dragon Boat Club
Dragons Alive
Veterans Dragon Boat USA
CAWM Huaxia Dragon
Tide One Pioneers
Rhode Island Phoenix Dragon Boat Club

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is more than the unofficial start of summer.
It is a day to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
For many veterans, remembrance is deeply personal. On our racing vests, each of us carries the dog tag of someone we have lost — a brother, sister, friend, or fellow veteran. Some were lost in war. Some lost their battle after coming home.
Their names remind us why veterans helping veterans matters.
Through Veterans Dragon Boat, we find healing in teamwork, strength in connection, and support from people who understand the weight many carry. Every paddle stroke is a reminder that no one should fight alone.
Today, we paddle in honor of those we lost, while continuing to show up for those still fighting beside us.

Paddles up!!!

05/23/2026

Remember…

05/20/2026

A majestic send off for our paddlers tonight as they departed PVRC - Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club for an evening session on the water.

Interested in joining us? Send us a message for more details. All veterans and service members are welcome.